Saturday, April 23, 2016

Saturday, April 23rd: 2 Samuel 6:17-19, 1 Chronicles 16:1-42, 2 Samuel 6:20-23, 1 Chronicles 16:43, 2 Samuel 7:1-17, 1 Chronicles 17:1-15, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, 1 Chronicles 17:16-27 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Samuel 6:17-19, 1 Chronicles 16:1-42, 2 Samuel 6:20-23, 1 Chronicles 16:43, 2 Samuel 7:1-17, 1 Chronicles 17:1-15, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, 1 Chronicles 17:16-27

A few things jumped out at me in today's passage.

First, we see David's desire to do something for God to show his gratitude towards Him, and as an act of worship, wanting to give Him glory.

Next, we see David's character when his desire to build a temple, born out of the right motives, is refused by God.  David did not pout, complain, or get upset.  Instead, he praised God!  He accepted God's plan and didn't try to go beyond God's purpose for his own life. Instead, he did what God asked him to do, and made preparations to make it easier for the next king, his son, to build the temple.

Being able to accept a "no" answer, when we can see no reason why God wouldn't say "yes" is the sign of not only strong character, but faith and trust in God and His plan.

Instead of being jealous because his son would have the prestige of building God's temple, he did what he could to help his son in that privilege.  Are we quick to help others do something that will gain them respect and attention instead of ourselves?

Next was this passage.....
2 Samuel 7:18-19 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?  And now, Sovereign Lord, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign Lord?"

The answer to this is both yes and no.  No, obviously not everyone is given the kingship and promised to rule forever.

But yet in other ways, yes we are!  We deserve nothing.  But He gives us mercy, grace, and forgiveness.  We deserve death, and He offers us eternity.  In fact, our spiritual dynasty will last forever!  He has brought us this far and He will never leave us or forsake us.  Nothing can separate us from His love.

Thanks be to God - He does deal with everyone this way!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage2 Samuel 8, 1 Chronicles 18, Psalm 60, 2 Samuel 9

2 comments:

Conrad said...

Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered. - 1 Chronicles 16:11-12

Seek and remember. Two important aspects of our walk to bring us closer to God.

Nathan said...

2 Samuel 7:18-19
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed,

“Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 19 And now, Sovereign Lord, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign Lord?

These verses also stood out to me, what a great example of a humble attitude. David had accomplished a lot by this point the in his life, all with God's guiding and help, and he didn't get arrogant or think that he deserved what was now given.

We can never earn what God gives us, it's a gift. One that we don't deserve and can never repay.